You may have heard the announcement from Governor Hogan today. While we anticipated returning to school next week, BDS proactively prepared in case there was a state restriction to public spaces, to ensure that our students would not lose valuable instruction time. We’re glad we did. Today, Dr. Karen B. Salmon Secretary-Treasurer of the State Board […]

You may have heard the announcement from Governor Hogan today. While we anticipated returning to school next week, BDS proactively prepared in case there was a state restriction to public spaces, to ensure that our students would not lose valuable instruction time. We’re glad we did. Today, Dr. Karen B. Salmon Secretary-Treasurer of the State Board of Education  officially closed Maryland schools until March 27, 2020  (see official announcement below).

Since last week, teachers at the Baltimore Design School started preparing and created Google Classrooms to deliver online instruction in the event of school closure. Over 90% of scholars are signed up and prepared for DAILY instruction from home via their computers or phone. Please ask your student to log onto their Google Classrooms to show you. You will be able to see what is being covered in each of their classrooms. Also be aware that our guidance counselors and social worker, Ms. Kaplan also have classrooms set up so students can message them.

We also surveyed our scholars and are aware that less than 8% of families have access issues to the internet at home. To respond with equitable practices, Principal Valentine and Assistant Principal Brozene are mailing teacher created, standards-aligned learning packets to those identified scholars.

We will be posting any updates from Baltimore City Public Schools, as well as resources that will be available to families during school closure. If you have suggestions for food, child care, online resources for students, please feel free to share in the comments below so other families can see. Make sure your comment isn’t marked ‘private, so everyone can see.

We want to thank each and every last teacher for their 100% response rate and for turning in learning packets before departing today.

We are grateful to have such an amazing learning community and look forward to supporting families virtually, via phone, or mail. We are here to serve you, just not in person (all smiles.) Please reach out if you have questions.

State Superintendent Salmon Announces Temporary Closure of Maryland Public Schools
March 12, 2020

BALTIMORE – This afternoon, during Governor Larry Hogan’s press conference, Dr. Karen Salmon, State Superintendent of Schools, directed that effective Monday, March 16th, through Friday, March 27th, all public schools in Maryland will be closed. All scheduled school-sanctioned travel for students and staff will also be cancelled effective immediately.

“It is crucial that we take immediate measures to slow the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in school communities around the State,” said Dr. Karen Salmon. “During the time of school closure, all public school buildings and school buses should be cleaned and disinfected to prevent spread of the virus upon the return of students and staff to school.”

Additionally, Dr. Salmon recommended that days previously scheduled for spring break be used for make-up days. Administrators, faculty, staff, and parents/guardians should begin to immediately prepare for, and put into place, measures for the continuity of educational services during this prolonged period of school closure.

Plans regarding childcare services are being developed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) at this time to ensure that the children of emergency services personnel (particularly those working in healthcare facilities) have access to childcare throughout the prolonged period of school closure. MSDE immediately started working to ensure that vital services, such as the provision of meals to students, will continue to be provided throughout the duration of this period.

Incoming information will be continually evaluated as it becomes available to better inform decisions about proactive school closures. State and local officials will work together to continue to reassess needs for school closures on an ongoing basis. Local school officials should remain in consistent communication with local health department officials regarding cases of COVID-19 that potentially could involve members of the school community.